Liverpool won the 2024 Carabao Cup after beating Chelsea in a tight match lasting 120 minutes. The Chelsea vs Liverpool duel at Wembley Stadium, London, England, Sunday (25/2/2024), ended with a score of 0-1 in favor of the Reds.
Liverpool’s only goal was created in the 119th minute through a header from Virgil van Dijk who took advantage of Konstantinos Tsimikas’ corner kick. This is Liverpool’s first trophy for the 2023-2024 season. They still have the potential to win three other titles, namely the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
Two goals should have been scored in 90 minutes. Chelsea managed to break through Liverpool’s goal in the 31st minute. Raheem Sterling’s shot using Nicolas Jackson’s pass failed to be blocked by Liverpool goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher. However, VAR annulled Sterling’s goal because Jackson was in an offside position.
Liverpool experienced the same situation in the 60th minute which started with a free kick. The ball eventually fell at the feet of Virgil van Dijk who kicked it past Petrovic. However, referee Chris Kavanagh headed to the pitchside monitor to monitor VAR. The goal was ultimately disallowed because Wataru Endo was judged to be offside and prevented Levi Colwill from reaching Van Dijk.
The score was 0-0 in normal time so the match continued into extra time to determine the champion. Liverpool had a chance in the 94th minute after Van Dijk headed the ball from his partner’s corner kick. It leads to Jayden Danns who makes a free header, but it is pushed over by goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
In addition, Kelleher made two saves. He thwarted Cole Palmer’s effort in the 105th minute, before parrying Noni Madueke’s shot six minutes later. Then, Liverpool built a counterattack which resulted in a throw-in which was met by Konstantinos Tsimikas. However, Tsimikas’ attempt was not successful because the ball went straight to Petrovic.
The long-awaited goal finally came from Liverpool in the 119th minute thanks to Van Dijk’s header after welcoming Tsimikas’ corner kick. Thanks to this goal, Liverpool has the right to win the 2024 Carabao Cup or English League Cup.
